What Restriction A means
A Restriction A on your driver license means you must wear corrective lenses — glasses or contact lenses — every time you drive. The restriction is printed on your license as a condition of your driving privilege. If you drive without the corrective lenses you need, you are breaking the law, even if you feel like you can see well enough.
This restriction exists because your vision does not meet the standard for driving without correction. States set minimum vision requirements — usually 20/40 or better in each eye with correction — and if you fall below that without glasses or contacts, the DMV adds this restriction to your license.
Restriction A is one of the most common restrictions issued. It does not limit where you can drive, what time of day you can drive, or what type of vehicle you can operate. It only requires that you correct your vision while doing so.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction A requires you to wear corrective lenses every time you drive; driving without them is a violation even if you think you can see.
- The restriction appears on your physical license and in the DMV record linked to your name.
- You received this restriction because your uncorrected vision does not meet your state's minimum driving standard.
- You can request removal of the restriction by passing a vision test without correction, or by having an eye doctor certify that your uncorrected vision now meets the standard.
Why the DMV added this restriction to your license
When you took your vision test at the DMV or at your eye doctor's office, your uncorrected vision — the vision you have without glasses or contacts — fell below the legal minimum. Most states require 20/40 vision or better in each eye without correction to drive without a restriction. If you tested at 20/50 or worse, or if one eye was significantly weaker than the other, the restriction was added.
The restriction does not mean you cannot drive. It means you must use the correction method that brought your vision up to the legal standard during your test. If you wore glasses during your vision test and passed, you must wear those same glasses (or an equivalent correction) every time you drive.
Some people receive Restriction A after an eye injury, surgery, or a change in their prescription. Others have had it since they first got their license. The reason does not change what the restriction requires of you.
What happens if you drive without your corrective lenses
Driving without the corrective lenses required by Restriction A is a traffic violation. The penalty varies by state but typically includes a fine, points on your driving record, or both. In some states, a violation can also result in license suspension.
Beyond the legal consequence, driving without correction when you need it puts you and others at risk. You may not see hazards, pedestrians, or road signs clearly enough to react in time. Insurance companies also take violations of license restrictions seriously and may deny a claim if you were driving in violation of your restriction at the time of an accident.
If you are stopped by police and cannot produce the corrective lenses, the officer may cite you for the violation even if you have glasses at home. The restriction requires you to have them with you and in use while driving.
How to remove Restriction A from your license
To remove Restriction A, you must show the DMV that your uncorrected vision now meets the legal standard. This requires a new vision test. You have two main options.
The first option is to visit your DMV office and request a vision retest. You will be tested without correction — no glasses, no contacts. If your uncorrected vision now meets your state's minimum standard, the restriction can be removed on the spot or within a few days. This is the most direct route and costs little or nothing.
The second option is to have an eye doctor perform the vision test and send the results to your DMV. Some states accept a letter from an optometrist or ophthalmologist certifying that your uncorrected vision meets the legal standard. You will need to contact your DMV first to find out whether they accept this route and what form the eye doctor must use.
If your vision has not improved and you still need correction, the restriction will remain. That is the correct outcome — it keeps the restriction in place to protect you and others on the road.
When your prescription changes
If you get a new prescription for glasses or contacts, you do not automatically need to update your license or remove the restriction. The restriction stays in place as long as you wear the correction you need. However, if your vision has improved significantly — for example, if you had eye surgery or if your prescription has stabilized at a much stronger correction — you may want to request a retest to see if the restriction can be removed.
Some people worry that a stronger prescription means they should update their license. That is not necessary. The restriction straightforward requires correction; it does not specify which correction. Wear whatever lenses your eye doctor prescribes, and you are in compliance.
If you switch from glasses to contacts or vice versa, the restriction still applies. You must wear whichever correction method you need to see clearly. The DMV does not care which one you choose, only that you use one.
Restriction A and commercial driving
If you hold a commercial driver license (CDL), Restriction A works the same way — you must wear corrective lenses while driving. However, CDL vision standards are stricter than regular license standards. You may need a stronger correction or may not be able to obtain a CDL if your vision cannot be corrected to the required level.
If you are thinking about getting a CDL and you currently have Restriction A on a regular license, talk to your eye doctor about whether your vision can meet CDL standards. The requirements are different, and your doctor can tell you whether you may have access to.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with contacts instead of glasses if my restriction says glasses?
The restriction requires corrective lenses, not a specific type. If contacts correct your vision to the same level as your glasses, you can wear contacts instead. The key is that your vision must be corrected to the legal standard while you drive.
What if I lost my glasses and I have Restriction A?
You should not drive until you have your corrective lenses. Driving without them violates the restriction. If you need to get somewhere urgently, use another form of transportation or ask someone else to drive.
Does Restriction A show up on my record when I explore for insurance?
Yes. Insurance companies can see your license restrictions. Restriction A itself usually does not raise your rate, but a violation of the restriction — driving without correction — will show up as a traffic violation and can increase your premium.
Can I get Restriction A removed without going to the DMV?
Some states allow an eye doctor to certify your vision and send the results to the DMV, but you will need to check with your state's DMV first. Most states still require you to visit in person for the vision test, though the test can be done at your eye doctor's office instead of the DMV.
If I had eye surgery, can I get Restriction A removed?
Possibly. If your surgery corrected your vision so that your uncorrected vision now meets the legal standard, you can request a retest. If the surgery did not fully correct your vision and you still need glasses or contacts, the restriction remains.